Chapter 457

Adrian noticed Vivian's fumbling movements and peered over her shoulder before extending his hand for her phone. But she jerked it away before his fingers could graze the device, shooting him a suspicious glare.

"What's your game?" she demanded, her words slightly slurred but her wariness sharp.

He exhaled through his nose. "Weren't you searching for this a minute ago?"

"Oh. Right." Vivian blinked slowly, the alcohol haze making her thoughts move through molasses.

Turning her back to him, she pulled up the payment QR code and thrust it toward Dominic. "Scan this."

Dominic's laughter rang out. "Viv, the app has transfer limits. That amount won't go through."

Vivian considered this for three long seconds before retracting her phone. Just as Dominic thought he'd dodged the bullet, she opened her banking app with dramatic flourish. "Wire transfer then. Here's my account details."

Dominic's pleading eyes found Adrian. "Come on, man. You're not actually entertaining this madness, are you?"

Adrian's expression remained an unreadable mask. "Business is business, Dom. Friendship doesn't alter facts."

Gritting his teeth, Dominic pulled out his phone and processed the transfer for two point five million, muttering, "You two are con artists, I swear to god."

Adrian's lips quirked. "Con artistry implies illegality. I'm simply a transparent entrepreneur."

Not daring to argue further, Dominic scooped up Audrey. "We're leaving. Enjoy your ill-gotten gains."

Once the door clicked shut, Adrian turned to Vivian with predatory calm. "Now transfer one point five million to me," he said as casually as discussing the weather.

Vivian pocketed her phone with deliberate slowness. "And why would I do that? That's my hard-earned money."

A dry chuckle escaped Adrian. "Because you and your little friend destroyed the Persian rug. Or have you forgotten your promise to compensate me?"

Vivian's vision blurred, Adrian's face splitting into twins. She shook her head sharply. "That rug belongs to both of us. Why should I pay the full price? It's just beer stains - I'll have it professionally cleaned tomorrow. At most it'll cost five grand."

"Alternatively," she continued, already tapping on her phone, "I'll send you the cleaning fee and you can handle it." The payment notification chimed on Adrian's device.

Patting his shoulder with exaggerated condescension, she added, "There's ten thousand. Consider the extra your allowance."

Adrian studied the notification with amusement. "You've missed your calling as a negotiator."

Vivian waved a dismissive hand. "Everyone has their talents."

The alcohol's grip tightened suddenly, her limbs turning to lead. Like a marionette with cut strings, she collapsed onto the nearest couch, hugging a throw pillow to her chest as the room spun.